The beautician and make-up artist also changed her relationship status to 'separated' on her Facebook page.

The couple have known each other for many years, having grown up in the same area of Belfast.

Paddy Wallace in action for Ulster

However, they didn't start dating until 2003 and were engaged the following year.

They also have a six-year-old daughter, Leila.

Christina took part in BBC's Evening Extra on Wednesday, discussing her son's autism with presenter Seamus McKee.

She said: "Sometimes I tend to forget Paddy Jack has autism, because I am so used to his behaviour, but a couple of weeks ago I was with his headmaster at his school about his progress.

"He pointed out that life for him is very difficult, not just because he has severe dyslexia.

"He said it's a very difficult world for him to be inhabiting."

Speaking about the Health and Social Care Board's review for local autism services, she added: "Early intervention is absolutely key and vital in terms of a child's progress and I don't think there are enough services available and I can't really see how they are going to make any significant difference to those services, because it is so dire at the moment."

Christina has worked on Game Of Thrones with Pamela Smyth, who is head make-up artist for the HBO hit series.

After retiring from professional rugby in 2013, Paddy said: "I have been happy to call Ulster my home for all my life and to play at the one province for a whole career is something that is really special.

"Professional rugby is all I have known for the past 14 years.

"I am going to miss playing at Ravenhill, the fans and everything involved with being a rugby player.

"However, I have lots of fond memories.

"I have had a great career and I wouldn't change anything for the world."

Paddy also runs a rugby academy that coaches five to 12-year-olds across Northern Ireland.